Systematic Review of Queer and Minority Identities in Romantic Relationships Research

Romantic relationships are key to our health, yet recent reviews of relationships research show that LGBT and other traditionally under-represented groups are frequently excluded. The reported demographics from articles in four relationships journals from 2016 to 2020 were reviewed to first address the overall representation of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) respondents (k=891), and second discuss the specific identities included in U.S. samples (k=505). First, only 37% of samples reported gender and sexual orientation in the methods, and only 22% of samples included SGM respondents in analyses. Second, samples were, on average, 77.4% White, 13.3% Hispanic, 58.8% (cisgender) women, 41.0% (cisgender) men, and 89.6% heterosexual. Consideration of intersectional identities was rare. We discuss recommendations for researchers to improve the reporting of demographics and the representation of diverse identities. For social science to reflect the diversity of experiences present in society at large requires more intentional, reflective, and consistent consideration of diverse identities.